San Juan Skyway

A 233-mile paved loop through southwest Colorado linking Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Cortez beneath 14,000-foot San Juan peaks. The Ouray-to-Silverton stretch is the most demanding: narrow shelf road cut into the cliff face with tight switchbacks and long unguarded drops. High passes are exposed to snow, ice and avalanche control closures through the winter and shoulder seasons.